GAME ON! - Mather Hospital

Volume XII
WINTER 2009
Number 1
GAME ON!
Team Mather Celebrates
2008 Accomplishments with
Daylong Festivities
See page 6
Mather Joins NY State
Collaborative for Improved
Patient Flow
In 2009 Mather Hospital is participating in a statewide HANYS (Healthcare Association
of New York State) collaborative to analyze and ultimately improve hospital patient flow
and reduce emergency department overcrowding. This Emergency Care and Hospital
Operations (ECHO) Collaborative aims to develop, quantify, and highlight performance
and best practice models for emergency services and patient flow throughout a hospital.
In particular, participants will work to understand their bottlenecks in patient flow
and explore various system change opportunities. The goal of this one to two year
collaborative is to develop our ability to match bed capacity to bed demand and improve
the hospital’s throughput.
tive couldn’t come at a better
“The opportunity to participate in this collaborative
time,” says Chief Medical Officer Joan Faro, MD. “In the last year, our
eat success in improving
emergency department team has experienced great
rative will help build
patient flow and patient satisfaction. This collaborative
ents throughout
upon that success and replicate these improvements
Emergency
Mather Hospital.”
Dr. Joan Faro at a recent employee communication
forum explaining how the collaborative will help
improve quality of care, patient safety and patient
satisfaction.
41627 revMM
revMMWinter
Winter09.indd
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Dept. Achieves
High Marks
see page 12
2/25/09 2:42:18 PM
2/25/09
A message from the President:
Standards of Performance –
Building upon what we do best
Since the launch of our Voyage to Excellence, we have quickly
experienced a number of important and exciting changes in our
Mather Hospital culture – changes that are re-shaping and improving
the Mather experience for all of us: patients, visitors, physicians,
Kenneth D. Roberts
employees and volunteers.
President
Patients and visitors alike have told me that they have noticed a difference as soon as they
step into our lobby. Employees and staff members have expressed their appreciation for the
opportunity to take part in the Voyage, and, as a result, have a better understanding of our
Hospital as a whole and the importance of the individual roles we play.
It is clear to see that this growing awareness and embracement of our Vision has reenergized us individually and collectively with a greater sense of pride, purpose and
ownership of our duties and responsibilities. We have set our sights to be the best and we
have engaged in the ongoing process of meaningful change.
The next step in our Voyage is to formally identify and build upon the performance
standards that have successfully guided Mather throughout its history as a cornerstone of
the community. In fact, our Standards of Performance Team has worked diligently on this.
Their efforts have resulted in a comprehensive guide on how to best present ourselves to
patients and visitors, and how to effectively conduct ourselves as we perform our jobs and
duties and interact with each other.
This Standards of Performance booklet will be distributed during the month of March and
made available to everyone in the Mather Hospital Family.
As you read through this booklet, you will likely find nothing completely new, and will
probably recognize many of these performance standards as part of your own daily routine.
The purpose of this booklet, however, is to standardize what all do when we are at our best
and make it accessible to everyone as we travel on our Voyage to Excellence.
I would personally like to give recognition and appreciation to all the members of the
Standards of Performance committee for their outstanding accomplishment. They are: Jean
Arnold, Nurse Recruitment; Aileen Corcoran, Nursing, Joseph Dougherty, Pharmacy; Candice Fella,
Nursing; Marion Fracassa, Nursing; Anna Gaeta, Nursing; Ray Gulino, Laboratory; Laura Hamilton,
Care Management; Marilyn Hannett, Nursing; Shannon Hines, Managed Care; Stacey Keane,
Laboratory; Mike Kelledy, Imaging Services; Diane Marotta, Human Resources; Pat Reilly, Hospital
Medicine; Sara Zaret, Social Work Services.
I am very proud of what we continue to accomplish together. I thank all of you for your
caring and commitment to our patients and to each other. I look forward to sharing our
successes as we Voyage together in 2009 and beyond.
15th Straight Year in Mather’s Families
Walk for Hope – Set for May 2nd
About five years ago, Louise Hershberger, RN, had
night duty following her regular day shift. Louise’s
challenge was that she planned to walk the five-mile
route in Families Walk for Hope, which started at
8am. “I just threw water on my face and walked,”
says Louise. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
This year, the fun-filled morning event takes
place on Saturday, May 2nd. It’s open to everyone;
families, friends, civic groups, small businesses and
large corporations. More than 1,200 people are
expected to take part in the five-mile scenic journey
that begins at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson
and heads through the Village of Belle Terre and
back. Proceeds from the Walk benefit the Fortunato
Breast Health Center and breast cancer treatment at
Mather Hospital.
To register, go to www.matherhospital.org/walk, or
call 631-476-2723.
2
JOHN T. MATHER
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Esq.
President
Kenneth D. Roberts
Vice Chairmen
Betsy Noyes Britton
Konrad J. Kuhn
Harold Tranchon, Jr.
Treasurer
John R. Sini
Secretary
Gene Gerrard
Chairman, Medical Board;
President, Medical Staff
Lloyd Lense, M.D.
Vice Chairwoman, Medical
Board; Vice President,
Medical Staff
Kara H.V. Kvilekval, M.D.
Board Members
Alan D. Beck
James F. Canniff, Ed.D.
Gary Cress
James Danowski
Carl Ferraro
M. Cecile Forte, Ph.D.
Judith A. Fortunato
Kathryn B. Frey
Robert A. Isaksen
Frederick C. Johs, Esq.
Thomas Kohlmann
Richard Lusak
James F. Maiella
Michael Nemirov, M.D.
Wayne Rampone
Leo Sternlicht
Edward J. Weiss
Chairman, Public Affairs Committee
Gene Gerrard
Co-Chairman,
Public Affairs Committee
Alan D. Beck
Vice President, Public Affairs
Marlene Israel
Director, Public Relations
Patrick Regina
Public Affairs Coordinator
Julie Parenti
Published quarterly by the
Public Affairs Department
(631) 476-2723 or ext. 4291
or e-mail us at
publicaffairs@matherhospital.org
Prevention, Detection and Care
Colorectal Cancer Symposium
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among
men and women in the United States. Yet, it can be treated and even
prevented if diagnosed early enough. As part of its ongoing commitment
to community health education, Mather Hospital presented a free-to-thepublic symposium on colon cancer, November 19.
The discussion panel consisted of several passionately dedicated
professionals, each specializing in various stages of care and
prevention. They shared the latest information on topics such as:
colonoscopies, gastroenterology, surgical treatment options,
oncology/metastasize, interventional radiology and genetics.
Symposium panel of experts: William LiPera, MD, Event Chairman
Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, Shirley Johnson-Hall M.D., Maria Basile, M.D.,
Mohammad Bilal, M.D., Arnold Leiboff, M.D, Elliott Dreznick, M.D.,
Emily Glazer, M.D., Howard Keschner, M.D., Michael Dosik, M.D.
New York State Health Commissioner
Visits Member Restaurant of Mather
Hospital’s Heart Healthy Program
New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, MD, visited
Patchogue’s Gallo Tropical in January as part of a trip to Long Island
promoting Governor David Paterson’s “War on Obesity.”
Gallo Tropical was selected for the visit because it is one of 55
restaurants involved in Mather Hospital’s Just Ask Us heart-healthy dining
program. Registered Dietician Randy Ackerman, program coordinator,
shared with the state that Gallo Tropical, in addition to adapting menu
choices to be healthier for the heart, is trans-fat free.
Sampling the healthier menu items at Gallo Tropical are (from left)
Mather Hospital President Kenneth Roberts, New York State Health
Commissioner Richard Daines, restaurant owner David Bustamante
and Randy Ackerman, RD, Just Ask Us: Eating Well While Eating Out
program coordinator at Mather Hospital.
Learn to be Tobacco Free
Free Smoking Cessation Program offered at Mather Hospital
Beginning March 27, Mather Hospital is hosting a free, six-session smoking cessation program sponsored by the
Suffolk County Department of Health. Each class includes an educational and behavioral component. Nicotine
replacement products will be available to appropriate participants free of charge based on individual needs and
medical history.
The group will meet on the following Fridays: March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, April 24 and May 1, with a class
reunion on May 22. Sessions will be held in conference rooms 1 and 2 of Mather Hospital.
Reservations are necessary; 25 maximum per session. To register, contact Julie Parenti in the Office of Public
Affairs at 631-476-2723.
3
We lcome New Doctors
Michael H. Brisman, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Brisman received his medical degree from
Columbia University in New York. He completed
his internship and residency at Mount Sinai
School of Medicine in New York. Since 2005,
Dr. Brisman has been chief of neurosurgery at
Winthrop University Hospital and co-medical director
of the Long Island Gamma Knife South Nassau
Community Hospital. He serves on the board of
directors of the New York State Neurosurgical
Society and the Nassau County Medical Society.
Brian J. Snyder, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Snyder received his medical degree from
Temple University Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
He completed his internship and residency at
Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and
recently completed a fellowship in stereotactic
and functional neurosurgery at Toronto Western
Hospital in Ontario. Dr. Snyder specializes
in surgery for movement disorders, pain and
epilepsy. He is an expert in deep brain stimulation
(DBS), motor cortex stimulation (MCS), vagus
nerve stimulation (VNS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS).
Rishi N. Sheth, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Sheth finished a post-doctoral research
fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,
Maryland before completing his neurosurgical
training and clinical spine fellowship at the
University of Miami, Florida. This year he
completed an additional fellowship in neurosurgical
oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center, NY. Dr. Sheth comes to Mather Hospital
with an academic record of 20 publications. His interests include
minimally invasive spine surgery and awake craniotomies with functional
mapping for tumors located in eloquent areas.
Elizabeth Trinidad, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Trinidad received her medical degree from the
University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio School of Medicine. She completed her
surgical internship at the University of Connecticut and
began her neurosurgical residency at the SUNY Health
Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Trinidad completed her
neurosurgical residency at the University of Texas and
her fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at University
of Colorado Children’s Hospital in Denver. She is a member of the American
Association of Neurological Surgeons and a Lt. Colonel with the United States
Army Reserves.
Ramin Rak, MD
Neurosurgery
Dr. Rak received his undergraduate degree and his
medical degree from the Free University of Brussels,
Belgium. He completed an externship followed by
internship and general surgery residency in the
department of surgery at Washington Hospital Center,
Washington, D.C. He was a clinical neurosurgery
fellow, NIH/NINDS/Surgical Neurology Branch,
Bethesda, MD; then a neurosurgery resident at the
department of neurosurgery, George Washington
University, Washington, D.C. Dr. Rak has also done an extensive fellowship
in skull base and microsurgery using microsurgical techniques for the brain
and spine.
4
David J. Anschel, MD
Neurology
Specializing in neurology, Dr. Anschel received
his medical degree from New York University
School of Medicine. Dr. Anschel completed his
post-doctoral training at Harvard University School
of Medicine with clinical fellowships in medicine
and neurology. He also completed a fellowship
in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology and a
postdoctoral research fellowship in neurology at
Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Anschel is director of clinical
neurophysiology and the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center of Long Island
at St. Charles Hospital. He is also an associate scientist at Brookhaven
National Laboratory and has been published extensively.
Alan Mechanic, MD
Neurosurgery
Specializing in neurosurgery, Dr. Mechanic
received his medical degree from Emory
University in Georgia. He completed his
internship at Miriam Hospital in Providence,
RI, his general surgery residency at Beth
Israel Medical Center in New York and his
neurosurgery residency at Hahnemann
University School of Medicine in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Mechanic is a clinical assistant professor of neurosurgery at
New York University Medical Center. He is a member of numerous
professional societies, including the American Association of
Neurological Surgeons.
2009 Medical Officers
Cardiologist Lloyd Lense, MD has been named
chairman of Mather Hospital’s medical board
and president of the medical staff. He served
as vice president of the medical staff and
vice chairman of the medical board in 2008.
Dr. Lense received his medical degree from
New York University School of Medicine. He
completed his residency in internal medicine
at Mount Sinai Hospital and a fellowship in
cardiology at Montefiore Hospital and Medical
Center.
Vascular Surgeon Kara H.V. Kvilekval, MD
has been named vice-chairman of Mather
Hospital’s medical board and vice-president
of its medical staff. In 2008, Dr. Kvilekval
served as secretary/treasurer of the medical
staff and medical board. Specializing in
vascular diseases, Dr. Kvilekval received her
medical degree from Stony Brook University.
She completed her residency and fellowship
at Stony Brook Medical Center.
Orthopedic surgeon Richard Savino, MD,
has been named secretary/treasurer of
Mather Hospital’s medical board. Dr. Savino
earned his medical degree from the State
University of New York Health Science Center
in Syracuse and completed his residency
in orthopedic surgery at Temple University
Hospital. He also completed a sports
medicine and shoulder surgery fellowship
at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,
Maryland.
Department Directors and
Section Chiefs for 2009
Departmental Directors:
Yakub Gangat, MD ........... Anesthesiology
Mario Capuano, DDS ............... Dentistry
Daniele Kenny, MD .........Family Medicine
Michael Arato, MD .................Gynecology
Arthur Klein, MD ...........Internal Medicine
Michael Fracchia, MD ..........Orthopaedics
John Chumas, MD ................... Pathology
Seymour Musiker, MD ..............Pediatrics
Paul Fritz, MD ........................ Psychiatry
Mitchell Pollack, MD ..... Emergency Dept.
Matthew Rifkin, MD . ..... Imaging Services
Randall Schrager, MD .... Dept. of Surgery
Section Chiefs:
Peter Bruno, MD .......................................... Cardiology
Richard Litman, MD .............................................. ENT
Robert Baranowski, MD . ................... Gastroenterology
Edward Borden, MD ............................. General Surgery
Gerard Furst, DPM ...........................................Podiatry
Mark Finger, MD ......................................... Nephrology
Jack Greenwood, MD ....................................Neurology
Sumeer Sathi, MD ................................... Neurosurgery
Edward Samuel, MD . .................. Oncology/Hematology
Alfred Cossari, MD .................................Ophthalmology
Anthony Maresca, DDS ............................Orthodontics
Hillard Warm, MD . ................................ Plastic Surgery
Morton Glaser, MD ........................Pulmonary Medicine
Stephen Scotto-Lavino, DDS ...... Rehabilitation Dentistry
Jonathan Zelen, MD ............................ Thoracic Surgery
Richard Dranitzke, MD . ......................Vascular Surgery
Richard Musto, MD ...........................Section of Urology
Medical
Board 2009
Lloyd Lense, MD - President - Medical Staff
Chairman - Medical Board
Kara Kvilekval, MD - Vice President
Richard Savino, MD - Secretary/Treasurer
Joseph Boglia, MD - Member-at-Large
Michael Nemirov, MD - Member-at-Large
Randall Schrager, MD - Immediate Past President
Staying Healthy PAYS OFF
Congratulations to the 498 employees who received payment for the eligible portion of their unused sick-time in 2008. The total payout to this
group was $453,988.33.
Imelda Abejar
Lori Accetta
Joan Adams
Patricia I Alban
Linda Altenburger
Lisa Ambrose
Carol Andriani
Maria Araujo
Margret F Arfsten
Francis Arementi
Marilyn Arthur
Alice Aug
Victorino B Aurigue Jr
Anne E Babcock
Ana E Baez
Mary E Ballato
Mary Barbarine
Marie L Barber
Rosemary Bartley
Eileen Bastien
Kathleen J Beacon
Debra F Beauford
John Becherer
Vickie F Bendjy
Nancy Berti
Joyce Ann Bieler
Suzanne Bittner
Donna M Blaskopf
Pierre Blot
Nancy A Bodnar
Mary Ann Boscarino
Jarrod J Boulin
Luba Boyko
Timothy J Bragg
Christine A Brandstadter
Ronald Bredow
Andrea D Breiner
Bernadette Brochard
Valerie Broderick
Cynthia A Bublik
Sharon A Buda
Ditas Burgos
Barbara Anne Burke
Patricia Byrne
Barbara Calandra
Patricia E Callaghan
Martin G Callahan
Michelle Cantelmo
Pal Carollo
Theresa Carter
Lynne Ann Cast
Diana L Castagna
Alan F Castellana
Catherine L Catalanotto
Dolores Cataldo
Linda T Cazaurang
Mariamma Chacko
Kathryn Z Chagnon
Bo Chao
Edna Jean Chapman
Maureen M Chernosky
Phillip W Cheslock
Laura Chiusano
Jennifer L Christofor
Christine Cirolli
Denise Clark
Jean Clark
Lorraine Clarken
Stefani Cleary
Jeffrey L Clews
Joseph P Cline
Cynthia L Collins
Jane P Collins
Mary Combariza
Elizabeth Conneally
Elaine Conroy
Victoria Cook
Eileen B Corcoran
Cynthia Court
Barbara A Cove
Barbara Coyle
Kathleen Crowley
Carol M Cruz
James J Cruz
Thomas Daily
Annette M Dale
Brian Davis
Sabrina Davis
Janet De Angelis
Mary J Deangelo
Marie J Defontes
Laura DeMarco
William Demicco
Joyce Demoore
Christine C Denimarck
Michele DeSimone
Susan B Deturris
Elizabeth Devine
Doris J Devitt
Jeri A Devlin
Frances Dicpinigaitis
Marlene Dmytryshyn
Daria Dodds
John B Dolan
Kathleen C Donadio
Suzanne Donadio
Patricia Donahue
Lillian Donnelly
Sharon E Donnelly
Joseph C Dougherty
Rosemary Doxey
Denise H Driscoll
Joan M Drosin
Jean G Dumas
Barbara Eagen
Thomas W Eitel
John Elkins
Gale A Elling
Daniel A Epstein
Catherine Escabi
Marybeth Esposito
Jackie Faetz
Michael Fahey
Lorraine Farrell
Moira P Farrell
Anthony J Fazio
David Felber
Christina Felix
Maria Fernandez
Jennifer Ferrer
Joseph Ferreri
Helen J Finck
Donna P Finn
Lorraine Fitzgerald
Jennifer L Flanagan
Jane M Foley
Linda S Folken
Carmen Fortugno
Gloria M Fortune
Marion Fracassa
Ralph Fracassa
Bonnie C Friedl
Anna E Gaeta
Joseph Gaeta
Ellen Gaffan
Urslan Gaffington
Deborah Garsik
Justin M Gaynor
Denise L Geiger
Ernest Geiger
Jeanine Genco
Edward F Germano
Lori Ann Gersbeck
Nina B Gervais
Dominick Gioglio
Dina A Giulietti
Donald Given
Mary Ellen Glennon
Mary Ann Goodman
Dennis Gordon
Maryanne B Gordon
Andrew Q Grant
Hazel Grant
Joan Grant
Roy Grebe
Susan M Greco
Nancy Grella
Marina Grennen
Walter Griffith
Theresa A Grimes
Laura Grosse
Catherine Grosselfinger
Diane Gully
Niki Haan
Robert A Hackmack
Brian James Haensly
Kim Hagerman
Marilyn J Hannett
William H Hansen
Laura J Hart
Mary Harwood
Masood Hasan
Margaret M Hassett
Theresa M Healy
Anita L Heege
Thomas Heiman
Dolores Heintz
Viola Hendricks
Juan Herrera
Kathryn Herrera
Karen D Hewitt
Heather A Heywood
Linda E Hill
Teresa Himberger
Karen S Hines
Kenneth A Hirsch
Temi Lubin Hofmann
Maria E Hogan
Caryn E Holly Valencia
Theresa Holt
James Joseph Horan
Susan Hovani
Brenda Howard
Dorothy H Howard
Linda Howlett
Daniel N Huber
Donna M Hughes
Charles Hurban
Marlene B Israel
Maryanne Jackle
Irma J Jaeger
Glen Jamotta
Kimberly A Jarett
Toni L Johnston
Nicole Jones
Elaine M Jonmar
Fotini Kacinski
Drew C Kaelin
Carla Keirstead
Michael Kelledy
Sandra A Kennett
Susan Kiernan
Laurel E Kirmish
Jeffrey Kniffen
Valerie Konon
Guy A Koutouvidis
Shannon Kroslowitz
Alain E Kruh
Kathleen Krygier-Rate
Gail Kushner
Jessica Lafosse
Grace Lagana
Deborah A Lamendola
Jeanne Lorraine Lane
Debra Lang
Olga T Larios
Valerie Larosa
Anne M Lasota
Marjorie Lastella
Armando Lastra
Andrea Lauckhardt
Michele M Lawton
Michele Leary
Ann Lee
Debra Ann Lembo
Esther Lettau
Peter J Levine
Richard J Lewonka
Sally Ann Lien
Louise V Lindstrand
Christine A Livreri
Debra Loche
Kathleen A Locurto
Joseph M Loper
Wendy Lugo
Alicia A Luksic
Christine M Mac Entee
Julia Macauley
Joanne Machacek
Meghan C Mack
Stephanie A Maer
Margaret G Maltz
Lydia Malvagno
Maria V Mansilungan
Kathryn Mary Manzi
Diane J Marotta
Kathleen A Marshall
Diane M Martin
Edna Martinez
Jesus G Martinez
Robin Martinez
Yvette Martinez
Kathleen Martoscia
Rosemary F Mason
Margaret Massaro
Christine P Matedero
Barbara Matuszak
Maureen Maurer
Christopher Maurischat
Anita D Mayer
Cindi Mazlin
Jean C McCarrick
Donna McCarron
Lois A McCarthy
Colleen A McDermott
Margo I McDonald
Vincent G McGee
Claudette McGinley
Dorothy A McGullam
Kathleen McIntosh
Shirlee J McKenna
Leslie McMahon
Helen McNeill
Maureen Meaney
Johanna J Meisenzahl
Nicholas A Menechella
Carolle Mevs
Margaret Micca
Carol M Milano
Linda Milewski
Cynthia J Miller
Gerald Miller
Scott K Miller
Wayne J Miller
Marianne Mitchell
Diane B Molfese
Dale Moller
Angela Mondello
Lorraine M Mondolino
Mary M Mongno
Patricia Monroe
Katherine Montefusco
Paul J. Monthie
Dorothy A Morabito
Susan A Morin
Marie E Mulligan
Carol M Murphy
Maryann Murphy
Kathleen Murray
Kevin J Murray
Irene Murtagh
Mary A Negra
Bernadette Negri
Emily G Nelson
Jean S Nesbitt
Theodore L Nilsson
Kenneth Nissen
Patricia Norden
Patricia A Nugent
Lucille O’Connell
Jamie P O’Hara
Dorothy Ann O’Mara
Kerry O’Sullivan
Marguerite Odwyer
Lori Olsewski
Joanne M Oshea
April L Overholser
Allen D Overton
Martin Page
Roxanna Palmer
Victoria A Palmiotto
Karin E Pape
Philip Pape
Julie A Parenti
Barbara Parisi
Phyllis S Parker
Janice Pskoski
Kathleen M Patick
Ralph Pelella
Carol E Penalver
Scott A Peters
Karen M Petrosino
Charles E Picasso
Madeline M Pieloch
Winnifer Pinckne
Mary A Pirraglia
Marilyn Pizza
Joanna R Pizzo
Cynthia M Polistina
Mitchell Pollack
Edward P Pometti
Margaret L Popp
Marion J Porter
Stephanie Prestigiacomo
Mark A Proffit
Deborah E Przybylinski
Virginia Pugni
Alanna Quinn
Terri L Quinn
William H Quinn
Dawn E Radu
Lisa S Ragozzino
Stephen Ralph
Donna Randone
Peter J Raszka
Syed Raza
Louise Reichel
Patricia Reilly
Usha Rengarajan
Stella R Repko
Sharon M Rhodes
Alisha C Richard
Margaret M Richardsen
Kathleen K Rivers
Zehra Rizvi
Nancy A Robb
Kenneth D Roberts
Petra Robinson
Jeremy Robitsek
Donny Rodriguez
Barbara E Romeo
Vilma G Rosario
Cathleen Roster
Elaina Ruggiero
Nicole Ruggiero
Kristina Rumney
Antoinette R Russo
Christine J Ryan
Mobin Sadiq
Ofelia Saghati
Thomas Saluzzi
Joan Samborski
Debra C Santiago
Patricia Santoro
Paul J Sargent
Therese Sargent
Kathleen M Sauter
Margaret I Sauve
Stephen T Sawicki
Linda A Scaduto
James Scalzo
Christopher J Scaturro
Barbara Scavetta
Andrew Schaeffer
Margaret Scharback
Susan P Scheraldi
Ingrid Schmidt
Diane Schotte
Lynne Sciortino
Richard M Scott
Eva M Seidler
Daniel Seigh
Diane L Seno
Martin J Sexton
Perry Shapiro
Christine Shea
Orvilla J Shore
Sheila Silver
Diane K Silver-Smith
Linda Silvester
James A Silvestri
Susan Sinclair
Frank Sini Jr.
Patricia Slokovitz
Janice E Smith
Patricia A Smith
Jill Snelders
Bradley Spangher
Jerry R Stallone
Veronica A Stallone
Darlene C Steigman
Mary L Steinmuller
Patricia Stillwaggon
Faustina Stoebe
Susanna P Stone
Marion E Sturgis
Lorraine M Sullivan
James W Sunyar
Darlene Sutherland
Eric Swensen
Eileen Swieczkowski
Paul Szabo
Linda Taylor
Kathleen B Terry
Jodi A Thayer
Paul M Theiss
Cher L Thewlis
Jaye Thompson
Joan F Thompson
Maria Timpone-Bonneville
Kenneth Tobiassen
Diane Towers
Bernadette Tringone
carolyn D Troxell
Diane C Trube
Catherine Trudel
Karen Tuzzolo
Steven Vassallo
Jill Veglia
Eileen G Ventura
Mary Grace Ventura
Edward Villante
Patricia A Viola
Jeannette E Voelger
Tina M Vogel
Loretta Wagner
Minna A Waldeck
Karen Walsh
Sharon A Watklevicz
Michelle S Watts
Trudy-Ann Weekes-Roach
Robert A Wells
Bernadette K White
Karen White
Carolyn Williams
Donald D Willing
Derrick A Wilson
Kathleen G Wilson
Barbara Wohl
Elaine F Wood
Carl Wooten
Laura Wooten
Joanne Worrell
Mary Yakutsk
Barbara E Yamitelli
Paul Zampieron
Patricia A Zarb
Jennifer Zeman
5
Mather Celebrates 2008
Made possible by our Employee Engagement Team, everyone at Mather enjoyed a day of celebration in
recognition of our 2008 accomplishments. Special thanks to our gift sponsors who provided prizes for
this and future events: Atlantis Day Spa, St. Tropaz, P.C. Richard & Sons and Danfords Hotel & Marina.
During the festivities, a year-in-review picture presentation depicting accomplishments and event
highlights was projected on the cafeteria wall for crowd viewing. 2008 was also celebrated during some
special holiday gatherings for our nursing staff and at the administration office open house.
On the Cover - members of the Food & Nutritional Services Team (l to R): Robin Thorton, Grace Williams,
Robin Martinez, Charlete Piggott, Marie Viola, Barbara Calandra
6
Certification in Excellence:
Mather Hospital’s Sleep
Disorders Center
The Sleep Disorders Center has earned accreditation from
the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), which sets
standards and promotes excellence in health care, education and
research.
Mather’s Sleep Disorders Center is a hospital-based program
directed by Mohamed Sameen, M.D., a board-certified sleep
physician. “The AASM is committed to ensuring that those in
the field of sleep medicine provide excellent healthcare,” says
Sameen. “Sleep is vitally important to our health, public safety
and the quality of life. We are very proud that our commitment to
excellence has achieved this accreditation.”
The center treats patients with sleep apnea, restless leg
syndrome and other sleep disorders. Patients stay overnight at
the center in a private room where their sleep is monitored and
then evaluated by the center’s staff for possible treatment. Most
insurance plans cover sleep studies when prescribed by a primary
care physician.
The staff at the Sleep Disorders Center: (from left) Nicole Ruggiero
and Barbara Eagen, Technologist Eric Swensen, Supervisor
Bernadette White and Medical Director Mohamed Sameen, M.D.
Hours of Service
Thank you for your service!
Roy Manfredonia
1,000 Hours
George Michos
1,000 Hours
Ginny Oliver
1,000 Hours
Anita Buxton
1,000 Hours
Charlotte Batalisky
2,000 Hours
Annual
Poinsettia Sale
Brightening the main lobby during
the holidays were the beautiful plants
available through the Mather Auxiliary’s
annual poinsettia sale. Lending a hand
in the effort were (from left): Nancy
Hutchinson; Helen Rodowicz, Ann Behr,
Fred Behr, Dot Duggan, Ida Forstel.
7
Miller Place 9-Year-Old Raises Funds
for Fortunato Breast Health Center
Proving that every little bit does indeed help, Megan Wuerz of Miller
Place raised nearly $500 for the Fortunato Breast Health Center by
asking for small contributions. Megan decided to raise the funds
during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) as a way to
honor her late grandmother, who suffered from breast cancer. She
asked people at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School and her
neighborhood for contributions, knocking on more than 200 doors
with the help of her friends Sara and Janelle. The effort netted $448,
which Megan donated to the Fortunato Breast Health Center at
Mather Hospital. Accepting the donation on behalf of the center that
bears her name is Judith Fortunato, longtime Mather benefactor.
Wal-Mart Reaches Out to Mather Hospital
with Generous Donation of Surplus
Merchandise
Wal-Mart in Farmingdale
recently donated 60 cartons
of surplus merchandise to
John T. Mather Memorial
Hospital that will be used
to benefit the hospital’s
charitable and fundraising
programs.
“Wal-Mart is committed to
being a good neighbor and
valuable member of the Long
Island community,” said Greg
Tucker, Manager of Walmart’s
Farmingdale location. “We
have been involved with many
community-based initiatives
Cindy Court (left) and Laura
across Long Island, and
Juliano of Mather’s Public Affairs
look forward to forging even
greater relationships, such as Department receiving inventory
the one with Mather Hospital, from Walmart.
in the future.”
“We are very grateful for WalMart’s generous donation,” said
Marlene Israel, vice president of Public Affairs for Mather. “In these
challenging economic times, support from our corporate neighbors is
invaluable.”
8
The Coat Drive Team: (front, from left) Laura Hamilton, RN; Ellen
Kasprzak, RN; Joan Samborski, LMSW; Minna Buiser, LCSW; (middle)
Joan Clare; Patricia Sidoo; Madeline Pieloch, RN; Maria Enriquez, RN;
(back) Barbara Brennan, LMSW; Terry Carter; and Rose Brisciano.
162 Coats Collected & Donated
This years Care Management/Social Work open house on December
4th was a big success. Team members were happy to share holiday
good cheer and were thrilled at the generous response to their coat
drive. Thanks to everyone who donated, 162 coats were collected for
adults and children. Coats were delivered to Infant Jesus, Long Island
Cares, and the Salvation Army.
14th Annual Cardiowise Cafe
March 26, 2009 • 6:30 PM
Conference Rooms
3, 4 & 5 and the
Employee Cafeteria
Evening features
presentations from
Mather Hospital
physicians on heart
healthy topics.
•Dr. Peter Bruno,
Cardiology, Event
Chairman
•Dr. Owen Yen, Cardiology
•Dr. George Carayannopoulos, Cardiology
•Dr. Michael Sauter, Neurology
•Randy Ackerman, RD, CDN
There will be Heart Healthy samplings provided by local
restaurants. There is no charge for this program and
reservations are a must as space is limited.
Call 476-2888 for reservations and information, or visit
www.matherhospital.org/cardiowise
Service Excellence Awards
NOVEMBER 2008
Deborah Amato
Kendra Anderson
Catherine Babst
Mary Ballato
Dr. Shailendra
Bhatnagar
Kathleen Biase
Deidre Boehme
Carol Borsman
Carmen Bottjer
Margarita Bou
Luba Boyko
Christine Brady
Anna Marie Braslow
Sharon Buda
Kim Buncke
Ginamarie Butera
Patricia Byrne
Janet Carlantone
Stephanie Carr
John Cartabuke
Janet Castellano
Anthony Catania
Diane Cesario
Dr. Tommy Chau
Diane Chiodo
Danielle Colao
Dayna Colao
Angelique Cuevas
Noreen Cullen
Colvin Cumberbatch
Barbara DeFeo
Liz Devine
Theresa Egan
Gary Eyrich
Jennifer Ferrer
Lorraine Fitzgerald
Kristen Garcia
Joe Garofolo
Lori Gersbeck
Kristin Giannetto
Gilma Godoy
Mary Ann Goodman
Dennis Gordon
Celeste Gorman
Susan Greco
Marina Grennen
Elizabeth Griffin
Leah Gustavson
Kathleen Haff
Bill Hansen
Dr. Keith Harris
Laura Heiman
Kathleen Herrara
Louise Hershberger
Heather Heywood
Kevin Hood
Tracy Hopkins
Cynthia Hovnanian
Donna Hughes
Joann Hughes
Julia Hurban
Stephanie Inserra
Jillian Jablonski
Sadaf Jalili
Joan Jenkins
Nancy Kennedy
Patricia Krepil
Lorraine Kuczwaj
Debra Lang
Mel LaStella
Armando Lastra
Michele Leary
Ana Levi
Sally Ann Lien
Lisa Lobasso
Gerry Lunetta
Luisa Machado
Billy Manzi
Patricia Marinello
Linda Markowsky
Kathy Marshall
Kathleen Martoscia
Christine Matthews
Andrew McKenna
Kristie Meek
Margaret Miceli
Katherine Montefusco
Catherine Mooney
Kelly Mullane
Tiffany Nendza
Denise Pepe
Jean Peterson
Rose Plank
Ginger Postiglione
Emily Pozgay
Dr. Michelle Price
Robin Rahn
Dr. Stephen Ralph
Dr. Samar Raza
Dr. Usha Rengarajan
Megan Resnick
Nicole Rice
Frances Rising
Teo Robles
Danielle Rosenblatt
Michelle Rosselli
Maria Rubino
Kimberly Ryerson
Dennis Ryker
Joan Sambroski
Ruth Ann Sanfilippo
Deb Schafmayer
Diane Schouten-LaLima
Genine Schwinge
Donna Smith
Agnes Sobolewska
Dr. Jacob Sokol
Darlene Steigman
Patricia Stillwaggon
Tina Stoebe
Jason Swartz
Eileen Swieczkowski
Sharon Tambasco
Cara Taranto
Cher Thewlis
Ashley Varughese
Jeanette Voelger
Susan Wade
Geraldine Walter
Lynn Weiss
Anthony Wiley
Lori Wood
Debra Youngs
JANUARY 2009
Joan Adams
Deborah Amato
Deborah Aureliano
Corinne Barsch
Dr. Muhammad Bashir
Deborah Battelli
Vicki Bendjy
Donna Borrelli
Chris Brons
Ditas Burgos
Deborah Burke
Amy Colleran
Debra Costello
Rose Cummings
Alethea Cunningham
Kelli-Ann Daly
John DeBellas
Coleen Delvalle
Christine Denimarck
Joan DiPiazza
Lisa Eggers
Katelin Elenterio
Christina Felix
Lorraine Fitzgerald
Jane Foley
Linda Folken
Thomas Fornsel
Jane Fulton
Carolyn Germaine
Joan Grant
Philip Green
Laura Grosse
Jean Grosskopf
Diane Gully
Niki Haan
Dr. Keith Harris
Donna Hughes
Joann Hughes
Kerry Jackson
Jo-Ann Jelley
Eileen JepsonGiambrone
Valerie Konon
Patricia Kopejzna
Audrey Krutys
Vivien Langford
Mel Lastella
Christina Lauria
Chanel Loganzo
Allison Lombardi
Luisa Machado
Chacko Mariamma
Ken Massie
Wayne Miller
Jessica Mojica
Katherine Montefusco
Carolyn Mosley
Lisa O’Hara
Mary Allison O’Leary
Erik Olsen
Kerry O’Sullivan
Loraine Pomarejos
Geri Quinn
Dr. Syed Samar Raza
Stacy Ricca
Pat Rivers
Nancy Robb
Tracy Royer
Ruth Ann Sanfilippo
Dr. Fariha Sarij
Michael Schmit
Orvilla Shore
Eva Seidler
Diane Shouten-LaLima
Jill Snelders
Dr. Jacob Sokol
Paul M. Theiss
Carol Tillman
Lee Viggiano
Norwood White
Maryanne Wisniewski
Amy Wooten
ICU
2 South
Post Surgical Unit
Pain Management
2 East
Breast Center
Emergency Room
Ambulatory Surgery
Emergency Room
2 East
2 South
3 South
Telemetry
Operating Room
Post Surgical Unit
Ambulatory Surgery
Pain Management
Imaging Services
TCU
Would Care PJ
Environmental Services
Physical Therapy
Recreational Therapy
9
Mather’s
New Inpatient Wound Care Service
Mather Hospital, in conjunction with Diversified Clinical Services which manages Wound Care Center outpatient and inpatient programs, has
launched a hospital inpatient wound care program, designed to help prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and aid in the early assessment
and treatment of existing wounds upon patient admission. According to Marge Gordon, RN, WOCN, wound continuum coordinator, “The
program’s goal is to further enhance the quality of patient care, decrease the patient’s length of stay, reduce inpatient readmissions and further
patient satisfaction.” Comprising the in-hospital team/committee are: Standing: Rebecca Lisinski, RN; Cathleen Roster, LMSW; Annette Dale,
RN, Marilyn Hannett, RN; Terry Grimes, FNP, Associate VP for Nursing; Olga Larios, Director, Pharmacy; Linda Altenburger, RD; Annamaria
Servellon, NP; Carolyn West, RN; Elizabeth Contri, RN; Christa Dwyer, RN; Seated: Deborah Lamendola, RN; Jan Doscher, RN; Margaret Gordon,
RN, Wound Care Coordinator; Penny Stock, COTA/L; Katherine Montefusco, RN
Outstanding Hyperbaric Unit Snags
National Attention for Mather Hospital
The outstanding care
provided by the Hyperbaric
Oxygen Therapy team
at Mather Hospital has
garnered much deserved
attention recently, thanks
to its lifesaving treatment
for a Long Island family
and the extraordinary
care it provides all of its
patients.
In November, the
LoMastro family of
Centereach was treated
for CO poisoning in the
Hyperbaric Unit and given
a very good prognosis
after each member
spent 90 minutes in the Hyperbaric Heroes: Helping to maintain the high quality
oxygen chambers. Their of the Hyperbaric Unit are Carolyn West, RN; Ellen Gaffin,
RN; Dale Ruppert, Nursing Assistant. Not pictured: HBO
story was shared with
media and NBC featured Medical Director Joseph White, MD; Co-Director Kenneth
Hirsch, MD; Morton Glaser, MD; Jay Barbakoff, MD;
Mather’s Hyperbaric
Michael Matilsky, MD; James Powell, MD.
Unit in its nationally
broadcast Today Show
in December. News 12, WABC-TV, the Stamford, CT newspaper the Advocate, the
Newark Star Ledger and the Times Beacon Record and numerous radio stations
also covered the story, giving credit to Mather’s role.
“We’ve been here since 1994 and we continue to be the only 24-hour unit in
Suffolk County,” says Carolyn West.
Since it began, the Hyperbaric Unit has administered more than 25,000
treatments in its three chambers.
10
Birthdays
Administration: Happy Birthday to Kenneth
Roberts, who celebrated on 10/13. TCU:
Birthdays celebrated by Christa Dwyer 10/12;
Sue Couch 11/4; Diane Cessario 11/3. E.R.
Registration: Happy Birthday wishes to Dorothy
Callahan 10/15, Debbie Faller 11/06, Diane
Trube 11/14, Rivoli Brenda 11/02, Lisa Noulis
12/10, Joan Grant 12/14, Jeri Devlin 12/20,
Christine Diprima 12/27. Finance: Warm
birthday wishes to Kathy Fusaro 10/10, Kathy
Link 10/11, Marjorie LaStella 10/18, Valerie
LaRosa 10/22, Cynthia Bublik (who is not
having any more birthdays after this one) 11/12,
Cathy Grosselfinger 11/21, Debbie Raszka
12/21. Professional & Regulatory Services:
A very Happy Birthday to Hazel Grant and Carol
Eagan, both celebrating on 12/28. Wound Care
Center – Port Jefferson & Melville: Happy
Birthday to Colleen Pohmer 10/30 (PJWC)
and Rita DiVirgilio 11/13 (PJWC). Ambulatory
Surgery: Happy October birthdays to Laurie
Shahinian, Maggie Maltz, Christine Silverman &
Sue DeTurris. Hyperbaric Unit: Mary Sundquist
and Ellen Gaffan blew out their birthday candles
this fall. Dietary: Many birthdays celebrated by
Peter Bambola 10/2, LoriAnn Emmel (Coffee
Shop) 10/7, Dorothy McGullam 10/4, Zehra
Rizvi 10/26, Petra Robinson 10/29, David
Bellard 11/30, Brittany Bonnneville 11/28,
Michael Coberg 11/1, Paige Deale 11/16,
Maria Diaz 11/20, Karen Hines 11/15, Sylvan
Martin 11/4, Margo McDonald 11/4, GiGi
Santamauro 11/18, Diane Simmons 11/14,
Grace Williams 11/10, Darlene Alicastro 11/30,
Cassidy Conley 12/9, Christine Contino 12/28,
Rose Dixon 12/31, Deborah Firrello 12/28,
Deanna Fournier 12/31, Kevin Ford 12/5, Ryan
Galietti 12/16, Daniel Huber 12/14, Deborah
Kreuscher 12/20, Olga Manolis 12/5, John
Puzelli 12/9, Alisha Richard 12/14, Patricia
Sofia 12/30, Denise Ventiquattro 12/30.
Social Work: Birthdays celebrated by Rose
Brisciano 11/15, Marlene Dmytryshyn 12/10,
Victoria White 12/22. Respiratory Therapy:
October celebrations were held for Cathy
Catalanotto, Frank Casano & Ginny Bonti. 2
East: Birthday wishes to Devon Naso, Cathy
Breitenbach, Lorraine Sullivan, Karen Fritzson,
Eileen Bastien, Kim Hagermann, Steven Sawicki
and Nicole Rice.
Birth Announcements
Finance: Gale & David Elling take pleasure in
announcing the arrival of their first grandchild,
Henry Jonathan, on 10/27. Their daughter,
Heather, and son-in-law, Patrick Scholes,
are the proud parents. Frank & Chris Sini
are happy to announce the birth of their
granddaughter, Elizabeth Louise, daughter
of Helene and Chris D’Agostino, born on
10/11, weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz. 20” long. TCU:
Congrats to Carissa Goetz, OT, who gave birth
to a Gianna Alexis Davila 11/6 7lbs. 9 oz.
Hyperbaric Unit: Carolyn West welcomed her
fourth grandson in May. 3 South: Renee Ulip
gave birth to a baby girl on 12/10.
Wedding
Anniversaries
Educational
Achievements
Administration: Best wishes to Christine
& Dan Kleppe who celebrated their first
wedding anniversary on 11/16. It’s going to
take them a while to catch up with Nancy &
Bill Grella who celebrated their 38th wedding
anniversary on 11/14. E.R. Registration:
Happy Anniversary wishes to Kelly & Jeff
Hanson 10/17, Debbie & Joe Stergakos
11/09, Suzanne & Blaze Donadio 11/06,
Jasmine & John Torres 11/04.
Wound Care Center – Port Jefferson
& Melville: Annette Dale, RN, and Karen
Petrosino, RN, achieved Wound Care
Certification. 3 South: Jean Peterson
graduated Nursing School.
Engagements/
Weddings
Administration: Congratulations to Nancy and
Bill Grella who announced the engagement of
their daughter, Erica, to Peter Angelopoulos.
Vows will be exchanged in October 2009.
Nursing Admin: Congrats to Kristy Ventura
(Mom - Eileen Ventura, Employee Health)
who was engaged 7/24 while on vacation
in Colorado with her soon-to-be husband
Michael Quinn, whose Dad is also a Mather
employee in our Security Department.
Their wedding date is set for June 6, 2009.
Finance: Congratulations to Ruth Wheeler, who
celebrated a holiday engagement to Gregory
Cote. Business Office: Marie & Tony Fragoletti
celebrated the marriage of their youngest
daughter, Dana, to Frank Mule of Massapequa
on 9/26. The reception took place at the
Oheka Castle in Huntington, and the newlyweds
honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas for ten days,
after which family and friends joined them
for a wonderful time on the Mexican Rivera.
Hyperbaric Unit: Dale Ruppert’s daughter,
Tracy, married Jim in August. 3 South: Chanel
Logan became engaged to Robert Odom on
Christmas. Respiratory Therapy: Sandra
Novoa was married in November. Denise
Weston is celebrating her engagement.
Hospitalists: Congratulations to Dr. Bo Chao,
who was married on 10/25, and Dr. Tommy
Chau wed on 12/13.
New Employees/
New Appointments
TCU: A warm welcome to Rishae Francis, Unit
Secretary, and Dahl Haynes, Unit Secretary.
Wound Care Center – Port Jefferson
& Melville: Welcome Susan Paternoster,
Data Entry Coordinator to the Melville WCC.
Occupational Therapy: The Occupational
Therapy department is pleased to welcome
Christine Piazza to the Mather Family. Ms.
Piazza is a licensed OTR with a comprehensive
background in acute, sub-acute and orthopedic
rehabilitation, and will be a valuable addition
to our therapy programs.
Miscellaneous
Items of Interest
Wound Care Center – Port Jefferson &
Melville: Lynsey Jarett, daughter of Kim
Jarett, enjoyed her Thanksgiving twirling in
the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the
USA Baton Twirling All Stars. Nursing – Night
Shift: RN Imelda Abejar’s son, Patrick, was
featured on Newsday.com as a semi-finalist
in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search,
which takes place in Washington DC in March.
Vacations
TCU: Lee Viggiano and family went to Disney
in December. Deborah Amato enjoyed a
wonderful cruise to the Bahamas for a week
in December. Wound Care Center – Port
Jefferson & Melville: Anne Marie & George
Daley spent a week in November in Key West
for the final off shore Power Boat races.
Ambulatory Surgery: Our adventurers Joan
Adams, Peggy Suave & Maryellen McCarthy
traveled to Russia, Denmark and Finland.
Other ASU girls took a more relaxing trip to
the Bahamas and had a blast. Social Work:
JoAnn Jelley took a two week trip to Egypt
which included a 7-day river cruise on the Nile
– a great adventure! 2 East: Anna May Drews
had a great time vacationing in Bermuda.
Cash Cow
Mather Employees
Wins Final Big Draw
Kevin Winter of Environmental Services
closes out Cash Cow’s 2008 Season with
his $3,000 win. Thanks to everyone’s
participation, Cash Cow paid out more than
$39,000 in winnings and raised more than
11
$36,000 for Mather Hospital.
Emergency Department Team Achieves
High Marks on Press-Ganey Survey
Just some of the more than 70 members of the Emergency Team and members from supporting departments.
Mather’s Emergency Department achieved its highest ever PressGaney survey ranking for the fourth quarter of 2008, coming in at
the 97th percentile. This means that the E.D.’s survey score of 88.8
(6.7 higher than the previous period) is better than the scores of 97
percent of the hospitals in our survey category.
These scores are a mean or an average of the marks given by
patients in specific areas of service. Areas in which the highest scores
were achieved include: Courtesy of the nurses/doctors, Concern for
comfort when blood drawn; Nurses concern for patient privacy; Doctors/
*Actual prize: choice of 2009 Ford Fusion,
2009 Chevy Malibu or 2009 Toyota Camry.
All vehicles will be on display in front of Hospital through June, 2009.
Winner is responsible for all taxes associated with the acceptance
of the prize. In the event that less than 1,300 tickets are sold, the
drawing becomes an 80%/20% drawing with the winner
receiving 80% of the total dollar amount of actual tickets sold.
12
Nurses concern to keep patient informed about treatment; Doctors
concern for your comfort while treating you; Staff concern to keep
family/friends informed about patient treatment status.
“The Emergency Department staff worked very hard to achieve
these results,” says Chief Medical Officer Joan Faro, MD. “It was truly
a team effort. Nursing, Physicians, PAs, NPs, Radiology, Admitting,
Registration, Security, the Lab, Housekeeping, and many other
departments that serve our patients through the E.D. - they all did
their part.”
Tickets available at: Gift Shop,
Lobby Cashier or Public Affairs Office